Toxic canister washes up on Straddy

Bridie Jabour

This canister, containing a toxic gas, was washed up on North Stradbroke Island. Photo: Supplied

A toxic canister, which could be fatal if the gas inside is inhaled, has been found washed up on North Stradbroke Island.

The canister was found on Flinders Beach, North Stradbroke Island on Tuesday afternoon and after testing, police found it contained Aluminium Phosphide which is fatal if inhaled or ingested.

Just mild exposure can cause sickness, ringing in the ears, fatigue, nausea and pressure in the chest which police say is relieved by getting away from the gas and getting fresh air.

Police believe the canister comes from the same batch which have been washing up along the Queensland coastline since October 2012 but this is the furtherest south a canister has been found in Queensland.